Ukraine Impact Forum: Closing Remarks

On Monday, April 20, in Washington, DC, Archbishop Borys Gudziak delivered closing remarks at the Ukraine Impact Forum: Faith & Resilienc, reflecting on the war in Ukraine and the role of academic and faith communities.

Speaking in a direct and personal manner, he referred to members of the Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) community — students, graduates, and young professionals — who were killed as a result of the war. He noted that 38 members of the UCU community have lost their lives and emphasized that such losses are experienced across Ukrainian society, “Every single Ukrainian can share this… They know somebody that has given their life. They know somebody that’s been killed.” 

He stated that these individuals can be seen as examples of service and commitment, “Whether it was 18 or 25, 28 or 42… you had a start and you finished… For me they become models.” 

He also addressed the impact of the war on families and communities, noting the ongoing suffering and loss.

Archbishop Gudziak described the war as a moral issue and stressed the need for clarity in understanding its nature, “This war is evil. Evil is the conglomeration of all sin. It begins with a lie, moves to violence… and we need to have clarity.” 

He acknowledged the support provided by academic and Catholic institutions in the United States, including the University of Notre Dame, and noted the importance of continued engagement, “Your solidarity… has an incredible importance and an incredible fruitfulness.” 

He also reflected on the role of universities as communities, emphasizing that both intellectual and spiritual life develop in relationship with others.

Looking ahead, he encouraged continued collaboration between academic institutions and faith communities. He suggested that this period may be seen in the future as a time of renewed engagement with the Gospel and its implications for society, “Christians started taking the Gospel seriously… and intellectuals gathered together… and the harmony between God the Creator and those studying that creation made great progress.” 

He concluded by noting that while many have lost their lives, others are called to continue their work, “These people have ended their quest on this earth, but we’re called to keep going forward. No early retirement.”